The Five Tenets - Aikido Articles

Firstly, let me start by asking you to think of the five Tenets. As a WTF
Taekwondo practitioner, they are: Etiquette, Modesty, Perseverance, Self
Control, Indomitable Spirit, with our ITF cousins using Courtesy and
Integrity as their first two. Other Martial Arts have their Code of
Conduct, and while the words may differ, the principles remain the same.

Now let me ask how many of you practise these - not only in the Dojang
(training hall), but also throughout each day? When I started training 18
years ago, I was told that there was a big difference between a Martial
Artist, and someone who "just did" martial arts. The difference was that
someone who "just did" martial arts would remember the Five Tenets whilst
in the Dojang and then forget about them outside. A Martial Artist -
irrespective of his or her belt - would remember the Five Tenets at all
times and attempt to abide by them.

This has stuck with me ever since, and remains something that I fall back
to when I feel that I am being tested. But let me make it clear that my
Dobok (uniform) does not have a built-in dog collar! Do I make mistakes?
Absolutely! Have I given up on something too quickly? Probably! Can I
improve myself in the way that I deal with problems and people?
Definitely!

Unfortunately, over the years, I have noticed a distinct lack of regard
for the Five Tenets in different areas of Taekwondo. Sadly, this includes
some of the higher ranking Black Belts, who seem to get a serious bout of
"Tenet Amnesia" whenever politics rears its ugly head! Surely these
individuals must realise the detrimental effect this has on the lower
grade students and the Spirit of Martial Arts as a whole.

I also remember an article in Combat Magazine a few years ago, when a
senior Black Belt described his organisation as "The Manchester United of
Taekwondo", (Modesty - Check!). Now, by sheer co-incidence, Manchester
United finished 2nd that season, and someone else pointed out to me that
apart from their own supporters, most people dislike them! I certainly
hope that this wasn't the message that the instructor was trying to
convey, but I'm more than happy for my club to be "The Accrington Stanley
of Taekwondo" if all of my students adhere to the Five Tenets!

This brings me on to my main area of concern - the competition arena.
Obviously, it's good to have a large number of team mates, friends and
family supporting each competitor, but how often have we seen the Five
Tenets completely ignored, and members of the crowd acting like they're
at a football ground? Club instructors really need to inform family
members and friends who have never trained in Martial Arts, that they are
in a Dojang and must abide by our Tenets when attending a competition.
The sight of 5 year olds, barely visible under all the body armour,
looking like rabbits caught in headlights, desperately holding back the
tears, while their parents are screaming: "KILL HIM!" and "TAKE HIS HEAD
OFF!" (usually coupled with some expletives!) is pretty disturbing.

Instructors also need to control team mates cheering on colleagues. On a
few occasions whilst acting as Centre Referee, I've had Corner Judges
verbally abused by members of the crowd - mostly competitor's team mates,
who are forgetting something important - ETIQUETTE!

During my time working as a referee, Gurumu Taekwondo stood out as a
great example of talent and sportsmanship, and how the Five Tenets should
be adhered to. Their fighters were always hard to beat, but it was their
impeccable manners which made them stand out from the other groups. If I
was refereeing a fight between 2 Gurumu team mates, I knew that the fight
would be exciting and I would have no trouble from the coaches, team
mates or supporters. It's just a shame that more clubs don't adopt this
approach in order to retain the spirit of Martial Arts and prevent it
deteriorating, as I believe it has in Football.

I still regard the mid 70's as the golden era for Football, and I'm not
just saying this because QPR were one of the best teams in the country!
But players played more for the glory, and my early idols such as Stan
Bowles went on to work in a tile shop in Brentford, while Phil Parkes
became a carpenter. Unfortunately, Football has evolved to a point where
there is no loyalty. Players are paid a fortune, then many dive, play-act
and cheat in order to get their fellow "professional" sent off. Managers
can be sacked for finishing 2nd and fans view the verbal abuse of match
officials as part of the game.

The last thing that we want to see is Martial Arts heading in the same
direction. Parents bring their children to my club because they like the
ethics that Martial Arts has to offer - that's what makes Martial Arts so
special. It doesn't matter whether you are a White Belt or 10th Dan, the
Five Tenets are the guidelines which we need to refer back to time and
time again. This will help us to prevent a decline in standards, and
ensure that all future generations of Martial Artists enjoy the high
level that we enjoy today. If not, and standards slip in the same way
Football has, the Five Tenets for future generations could read as
follows: Disrespect, Boast, Cheat, Lie, Give Up!

Aikido is a modern Japanese Martial Art and is very different from disciplines such as Karate, Kick Boxing, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, MMA, BJJ, Kempo and Krav Maga where there is emphasis on kicking, punching or wrestling.

Aikido is an extremely efficient self defence (also as Self-Defence Women London) system utilising balance-taking and posture-breaking movements to achieve joint locks, pins and throws. It contains elements of Ju Jitsu, Kendo, Judo and other budo.

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Aikido is essentially a non-violent Martial art system that encourages the avoidance of confrontation and harmony with an aggressor. The classes are well attended with Aikido students always on the mat and aimed at all levels, from beginner to advanced but everyone is welcome to come along regardless of fitness or experience.

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